Fecobionics device for mapping colonic and anorectal neuromuscular function

结肠和肛门直肠的组成复杂。研究神经肌肉相互作用和活动的方法 由于难以获得和缺乏适当的药物， 技术.结肠机械感觉生理学的许多方面仍然没有很好地理解，包括 肠回路和反射的影响，以及结肠各段的外在神经功能。的 需要新的技术和更好地了解神经肌肉功能是巨大的。显著 问题是缺乏生理相关的和实际的测试来识别潜在的机制。 因此，总体目标是验证一个完全集成的动态工具，模仿粪便运输在较低的 胃肠道。因此，提出了以下任务：1）优化的无线开发， 用于结肠神经肌肉功能研究的Fecobionics装置和系统。里程碑：无线设备 可以记录通过结肠和肛门直肠的运输过程; 2）进行安全性和性能研究 犬中（包括IDE批准）：里程碑：证明器械安全性和性能的研究 在不同的神经肌肉条件下;和3）开发下GI的有效数学模型 道。里程碑：结肠运输和排便的几何和功能数学模型。的 提出的技术（Fecobionics）是一种模拟电子粪便，具有正常的一致性和形状， 凳子Fecobionics中的测量变量包括多个压力、形状变化、速度和温度。 导向因此，客观地标测和描述（不干扰结肠运输）将是可行的 和排便过程）的运输特性和神经肌肉签名在结肠运输 从直肠进入松弛的肛管这种独特的设备将提供新的神经肌肉 在正常情况下，以及在肠和外周介入期间， 神经活动，以加强我们对参与的生理和病理生理机制的理解， 下消化道神经肌肉功能。为了符合我们的使命，我们打算提供一种新的技术， 较低的GI测试，用仿生学装置模拟正常的粪便运输和排便。这项技术将 取代目前的几种测试，因为它提供了一个评估功能的综合框架， 需要对功能进行多次测试。中心前提是，一种新颖独特的Fecobionics设备， 模拟自然的下消化道运输将提供新的机制，了解结肠和肛门直肠 与标准测试相比，它有助于改善生理学，并促进下GI新诊断的开发 紊乱其意义在于通过开发一种安全、低成本、 侵入性、低风险、无辐射设备，并测试其能力，以提供对结肠的新认识 神经肌肉和排便功能。这以后可能会促进诊断和治疗工具的发展 这将降低医疗成本。

The colon and anorectum have complex composition. Methods to study neuromuscular interactions and activity in health and gastrointestinal (GI) disease have been limited due to difficult access and lack of appropriate technologies. Many aspects of colonic mechanosensory physiology are still not well understood including the influence of enteric circuits and reflexes, and extrinsic nerve function in the various segments of the colon. The need for new technology and a better understanding of the neuromuscular function is substantial. A significant problem is a lack of physiologically-relevant and practical test for identifying the underlying mechanism(s). Hence, the overall objective is to validate a fully integrative dynamic tool that mimics feces transport in the lower GI tract. Accordingly, the following tasks are proposed: 1) Optimization of a wireless development of Fecobionics device and System for neuromuscular function studies of the colon. Milestone: Wireless device that can record during transport through colon and anorectum; 2) Conduct safety and performance studies in dogs (including IDE approval): Milestone: Studies that demonstrates safety and performance of the device under different neuromuscular conditions; and 3) Develop a validated mathematical model of the lower GI tract. Milestone: Geometric and functional mathematical model for colonic transport and defecation. The proposed technology (Fecobionics) is a simulated electronic feces that has the consistency and shape of normal stool. The measured variables in Fecobionics include multiple pressures, shape changes, velocity and orientation. Hence, it will be feasible to map and describe objectively (without disturbing the colonic transport and defecation processes) the transport characteristics and neuromuscular signatures during colonic transport and initial entry from the rectum into the relaxing anal canal. This unique device will provide new neuromuscular signatures of the lower GI tract under normal circumstances, and during intervention with enteric and peripheral nerve activity to enhance our understanding of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the lower GI tract neuromuscular function. In line with SPARC mission, we intend to provide a new technology for lower GI testing, simulating normal stool transport and defecation with a bionics device. This technology will replace several current tests, because it provides an integrated frame work for assessing function and obviates the need for multiple tests of function. The central premise is that a novel and unique Fecobionics device that mimics natural lower GI transport will provide new mechanistic insights regarding colonic and anorectal physiology when compared to standard tests and facilitate development of new diagnostics for lower GI disorders. The significance is to address the major gaps in knowledge by developing a safe, low cost, less invasive, low risk, radiation-free device, and test its ability to provide new understanding of colonic neuromuscular and defecation function. This may later facilitate development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools that will reduce healthcare costs.